________________________ Spreading the Love of Reading One Book at a Time _______________________
This blog is for anyone whoever picked up a book and couldn't put it down. It's for anyone who loves to read and reads often. It's for anyone like me who's been seduced by a book and can't wait to discuss it.

Heart of Darkness Blog Tour/giveaway and Top Five Reasons to Love a Bad Boy

Kendra Leigh Castle was born and raised in the far and frozen reaches of Northern New York, where there was plenty of time to cultivate her love of reading thanks to the six-month-long winters. Sneaking off with selections from her mother’s vast collection of romance novels came naturally and fairly early, and a lifelong love of the Happily Ever After was born. After graduating from SUNY Oswego (where it also snowed a lot) with a teaching degree, Kendra ran off with a handsome young Navy fighter pilot and has somehow accumulated three children, three dogs, and one enormous cat during their many moves.

While stationed in a remote corner of the Nevada desert, Kendra penned her first romance, and a career often spent working in fuzzy slippers and pajamas was born. Her work has garnered both critical praise and award nominations, but the best part has been connecting with readers who share her love of dark romance (not to mention heroes with sharp, pointed teeth). Kendra currently lives in Maryland, and can usually be found curled up with her laptop and yet another cup of coffee working on her next book. She loves to hear from her readers, and can be contacted via email or her Facebook page. (Information gotten off of Kendra's website)

The Dark Dynasties Series

Dark Awakening (Dark Dynasties #1)Enter the world of the Dark Dynasties...

For centuries, shapeshifting vampire Tynan MacGillivray has prowled the night as an outcast, valued only for his ferocious hunting skills. When a feud among the immortals escalates into all-out war, he is ordered by his ruthless queen to locate a Seer - a human woman with a special gift - who can secure victory for their clan. Ty's search leads him to a quiet New England town, but once he has the Seer in his grasp, her touch awakens within him a hunger like he's never known...

Lily Quinn has always been different. Since childhood, she's had vivid nightmares and an eerie sixth sense. When a sexy, silver-eyed stranger demands her help, Lily plunges into a new world of danger and sensuality. With Ty, she discovers sizzling passions she cannot deny and powers she cannot control. Soon, it is clear that Lily is much more than a Seer - she holds the key to ancient secrets and unthinkable destruction. But will a vampire's vow of eternal protection stop these evil forces...or unleash her dark destiny?

Midnight Reckoning (Dark Dynasties #2)Two separate worlds ...

One passion that binds them

Wild and passionate by nature, Lyra Black is not just any werewolf. She's the future leader of the powerful pack of the Thorn - if she can stay alive long enough to inherit the title.

One of the Cait Sith bloodline of vampire cat-shifters, Jaden Harrison has no interest in the wars plaguing the world of night. But when he rescues Lyra from a violent attack, they're both captured by an insatiable desire that threatens to overwhelm them and bind them together for eternity... just as ancient enemies prepare to strike. And when they do, the Thorn and the Cait Sith - and Lyra and Jaden's love - may never recover from the deadly blow...
(Please note both descriptions were taken from the back of the respective books.)

Shadow Rising (Dark Dynasties #3)

Ancient Secrets, Dark Passions...

As one of the Grigori, a noble vampire dynasty shrouded in mystery, Ariane has spent her life hidden away in the desert. Like all of her kind, she is a watcher, fated to observe, forbidden to act. Yet when her best friend, Sammael, vanishes, she defies all rules and flees her safe haven to bring him home.

A shape-shifting assassin for the House of Shadows, Damien Tremaine is hired to locate Sammael. His hunt for the wayward Grigori leads him to Ariane, the rogue vamp who stands between him and his bounty. Damien never lets emotion interfere with his work, but a single touch from the sexy, beguiling vampire shatters his self-control. Drawn together by their common goal, what begins as an alliance of necessity soon becomes one of desire. But when the secret at the dark heart of the Grigori comes to light, Damien and Ariane must make a choice that could bind them eternally...or tear them—and everything they care about—apart.

Immortal Craving (Dark Dynasties #4)

The last-and most lethal-of his kind . . .

Wild, uncontrollable, and powerful, the lion-shifting Rakshasa were hunted down by vicious rival vampires who feared their dark, magical abilities. Somehow one survived, and now, after centuries of hiding, Tasmin Singh reemerges as fierce and fearless as ever at the door of the Lilim queen, seeking answers . . . and sanctuary.

The human best friend to a vampire queen, Bay Harper traded her quiet, comfortable life for a world filled with immortal assassins, warring werewolves . . . and this hauntingly sexy shifter. Only Bay's gentle touch can subdue Tasmin's inner demons, even as he brings out a passion and sensuality she never imagined she could feel. But when a bloody struggle threatens to tear them apart, can Bay risk everything on her faith in him-or will his dark side be stronger than even their all-consuming desire?

Cynthia Garner discovered her love for making up stories when her sixth grade teacher told the class to write a story that began “It was a dark and stormy night…” With that Cynthia's love for all things paranormal was born. When she's not working her day job as a mostly mild-mannered human resources manager, she's on her laptop writing or playing way too much Solitaire. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Cynthia now lives in the desert Southwest. (Information obtained from the back of her current book 'Kiss of the Vampire') For your information, Cynthia also writes erotic romances under the pen name Sherrill Quinn.

The Warriors of the Rift Series

Kiss of the Vampire(Warriors of the Rift #1)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

Half-demon, half-human, Nix de la Fuente is accepted by neither and mistrusted by both. Determined to prove she's more human than not, she devotes herself to solving crimes between the world's mortals and its most unsavory undead. But her latest case brings her face to face with the one vampire she could never resist . . .

Called in to investigate a string of violent murders, special agent Tobias Caine isn't interested in rekindling his relationship with Nix. Yet one look and the vampire knows his need for her is as strong as ever. Once, their all-consuming passion nearly cost Nix her fragile hold on her humanity. Now, as their hunger for one another intensifies, exposing them to an unimaginable danger, it could cost them both their lives.

Secret of the Wolf (Warriors of the Rift #2)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world-or send it spiraling into chaos.

As a werewolf liaison to the Council of Preternaturals, Tori Joseph is used to straddling the world between humans and immortals. She plays by the rules and always delivers justice, no matter the cost. But after a string of increasingly brutal attacks results in humans turning into werewolves, Tori doesn't reveal her horrifying suspicion: Someone very close to her might be responsible.

Investigating the paranormal violence, no-nonsense detective Dante MacMillan believes Tori is hiding something. His search for the truth draws him into greater danger as he gets closer to the dark realm of the immortals-and to the sexy werewolf who stirs his primal lust. Now with evil closing in around them, Dante must convince Tori to trust him . . . before her deadly secret destroys them both.

Heart of the Demon (Warriors of the Rift #3)

Once a generation, the rift between the paranormal world and the human world opens, allowing supernatural entities to cross. Vampire, demon, or shapeshifter, they can save the world—or send it spiraling into chaos.

The next opening of the rift is coming—and its consequences will be deadly. A rogue group of human-hating preternaturals is planning an apocalyptic attack, but the Council of Preternaturals may have found the key to saving the world: Keira O'Brien, a fey with a long criminal record, whose empathic abilities once made her the queen of con artists. If she successfully infiltrates the dangerous faction, the sins of her past will be forgiven.

Keira isn't the only agent working against the rogue prets. Finn Evnissyen, a powerful demon with a dark lineage, is a hired assassin looking for a way out. If he stops the threat, he will finally earn his freedom. As the rift fast approaches, and danger escalates, Finn and Keira must discover if they're on the same side—or sleeping with the enemy . .

KENDRA’S TOP 5 REASONS TO LOVE A BAD BOY

1. Leather pants. Even if he doesn’t wear them, you know he could…and that they would look amazing on him. 2. His brooding is more sultry than annoying. 3. He always gets what he wants, come hell or high water—and what he wants is you. 4. Not everyone gets a tender lover, devoted mate, and complete badass all in one delicious package. It’s heady stuff. 5. It’ll take quite a woman to redeem him. But if you’re up to the task, the rewards far outweigh the risks.

Want to learn more about my Dark Dynasties series or drop me a line? Head over to www.KendraLeighCastle.com.

I love to hear from readers! Follow me on Twitter @KendraLCastle and Facebook.com/kendraleighcastle

CYNTHIA'S TOP 5 REASONS TO LOVE A BAD BOY

What is it about bad boys that draw women so much? Why aren’t some of us satisfied with the guy who has a good job, is caring, gentle and is just an all around nice guy?

Let’s see if we can break it down to the top five reasons bad boys are so attractive to the female gender:

1. Bad boys are confident. Not just around women, but in everything they do. They eat their eggs and bacon with confidence. They walk with confidence—a swagger, if you will. They know what they want and exactly how to get it, and that is a big turn-on to something a little primitive in all of us.2. Bad boys don’t give a damn. About anything. They chat you up and you act like you’re not interested? Fine. They move on to the next woman. They’re not looking for a serious relationship, and if you’re a woman who’s been hurt by love, or just not ready to commit to anything serious, that’s mighty attractive. 3. Bad boys are ultra masculine. They are strong and dominant. As much as women want and deserve to be paid the same as a man performing the same job, and have the opportunity to do the same jobs as men, we still want a mate who, if the zombie apocalypse happens, can help protect and provide for us. 4. Bad boys are exciting, mysterious and maybe even a little dangerous. Most of us have lives that are fairly ordinary—we go to work, we run errands, we go home. Lather, rinse & repeat the next day. A bad boy will keep you guessing. He lives his life on the edge and he’s a rebel. He spices things up in what might otherwise be a boring life. 5. Bad boys present a challenge. Most women don’t like men who are pushovers. If I may be a little frank, I don’t want to feel like I have bigger balls than the man I’m with. And there’s the challenge—the give and take, the push and pull in a relationship. I don’t want to always win an argument just because he gives up or won’t voice an opinion in the first place.

What do you think? What other traits would you add to this list?

~ GIVEAWAY ~

I'm giving away to ONE winners one copy of Heart of the Demon by Cynthia Garner -AND-one copy of Immortal Craving by Kendra Leigh Castle.

Rules for eligibility:

Only residents of the US who are 18 or older are eligible.

Please leave either your email address so I may get in contact with you to get your mailing address. **No P.O. Boxes, please**.

Become a follower of my blog, if you aren't already. (required)

Winner will be randomly chosen. Giveaway ends February 21st, midnight eastern time. Only one winner per person and per address. Winners will be posted on my blog and notified by email or message posted to them via Goodreads. Winners will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be selected. Good Luck!

It's the take charge attitude while wearing that little smirk. The loyalty and compassion deep within their core. I cannot wait to start both of these series. Those covers are awesome.Carol LLucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com